Kola Nut

Cola acuminata is a tall tree, native to tropical Africa, with yellow flowers that ripen into walnut-sized, reddish-brown seeds. The seeds are referred to as kola nuts, which are bitter tasting, contain caffeine, and symbolize peace and friendship for many cultures. Traditionally, small pieces of the nut were chewed before meals to support digestion. Kola nut has been used for thousands of years in African folk herbalism for their beneficial properties and are often infused or extracted. Tropical Africa is the native home of the towering kola tree growing up to 40 feet (13 meters) tall. Its yellow flowers tinged with purple bear reddish-brown seeds about the size of a walnut with almost no taste but rich in caffeine. The tree is a member of the Sterculiaceae family and also goes by the name of ghanja cola. The Igbo, a tribe in southern Nigeria, consider the kola nut tree to be the first tree (and fruit) on earth. They consider the nut to be a symbol of hospitality, kindness and frate